Good Accounting

17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:17-20

Now here is an interesting riddle. How can you give more away and yet have more in your account?

It sounds crazy in our world. Because we put so much of our hope and trust in money and possessions. I do too. That’s why sometimes I’m too careful with money. That’s why I struggle to be generous. I become fixated on what my bank account says.

But Paul says, we should have another account we should be mindful of. Now, I don’t think it’s a like for like. It’s not like by being generous on earth that we will have more money in heaven.

So what does he mean? Well, I think it’s a bit like this. Our generosity on earth increases the joy we will rejoice in across eternity. So this becomes a no brainer really.

We can be generous now, trusting that God will supply our deepest needs in Jesus Christ. And we are wise to be generous because what is money now, compared to eternal joy?

For Today:

• How are you going with generosity?
• Do you see how great His mercy is to you?
• How could you respond to the mercy of God today?

Pray:
Praise the Father that He is just and merciful. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who is our sacrifice for sins. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others respond appropriately to Christ.